Trends

Ten Reasons To Love Trees

Tree

Trees play an important role in water management.  As the New York Times pointed out a few weeks ago, “Trees are nature’s water filters, capable of cleaning up the most toxic wastes, including explosives, solvents and organic wastes, largely through a dense community of microbes around the tree’s roots that clean water in exchange for nutrients, a process known as phytoremediation.”

Trees supply us with many other excellent benefits too.

ValleyCrest is proud to support the Wyndham Million Trees Initiative in conjunction with the Arbor Day Foundation to re-plant trees and bring life back to our forests.  Trees provide shade, shelter and serenity. The need for trees in our nation’s forest is greater than ever before due to changing climate, wildfires, insects and disease.  Below are ten of my favorite reasons to love trees.  I hope you love them too:

  • Oxygen Provider - One day’s worth for a family of four is provided by a single tree. In 2008, Columbia University researchers found that children living on tree-lined streets were less likely to develop asthma.
  • Piggy Bank Protector - Properly placed tree cover in urban areas can save cities millions of dollars annually in storm water management, air purification and energy conservation costs.
  • Power Investor - It’s estimated that 50 million well-placed shade trees have the potential of eliminating the need for seven 100-megawatt power plants.
  • Emission Combater - If a tree absorbs one ton of carbon over its lifespan, it’s like erasing 11,000 miles of car emissions.
  • Air Purifier - One acre of trees has the ability to remove up to 5 tons of carbon dioxide and up to 13 tons of other particles and gases annually. A single tree might absorb up to one ton of carbon over a 40-year lifespan.
  • Natural Coolant - One mature tree has the same net cooling power as 15 room-size air conditioners.
  • Secret Shopper - Trees add value. According to Morton Arboretum, shoppers in well-landscaped business districts are willing to pay up to 12% more for goods & services.
  • Energy Saver - Carefully positioned trees at home or the office can save 25%-30% of energy consumption. Deciduous trees are the most beneficial for energy savings since they provide shade in the warmer months and allow the sun to shine through their leaves in the colder months.
  • Stormwater Filter -100 mature trees can capture up to 100,000 gallons of rainfall per year, reducing runoff and filtering water.
  • Peacemaker - Trees reduce crime, stress and illnesses. According to North Carolina State University, a well-placed tree can also block noise by up to 40%.

Richard Restuccia

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Richard Restuccia

Richard Restuccia is a water management evangelist. He believes passionately in water efficiency and sees the financial and social benefits far too often to keep a secret. As the Director for Water Management Solutions at ValleyCrest, Richard is our spokesperson at industry events and on the Hill to provide direction and insight on landscape water management best practices. Richard puts his words into action through service on various boards and committees. Currently he serves on the Irrigation Association’s Board of Directors. As a board member, Richard serves in a variety of capacities, including government/public affairs. He is the liaison between the board and its marketing committee on the best ways to promote water efficiency and educate industry professionals on new technologies, products and services. Richard is also a regular contributor to Lawn & Landscape Magazine.

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COMMENTS (3)

  1. Thursday, 6:40 Chris Sabbarese

    Great post and example of how we all benefit from trees. Thanks for sharing Richard!

  2. Thursday, 7:18 Jeavonna Chapman

    Great article. I love trees and can’t inderstand why people need convincing. A tree is a village with thousands of creatures living in and on it. It “creates” the oxygen we need to breathe and sweeps the air of many toxins. There’s also the benefits of soil erosion control, especially on hillsides and sloped land. And there are so many different kinds to choose from. Plus the fruit and flowers. But, I know you loves trees, too, Richard. Preaching to the choir. Lol.

  3. Tuesday, 5:15 sam posin

    let’s post this on facebook for tree

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